 | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject.(June 2018) |
Matthew P. Mayo | |
|---|---|
 Matthew P. Mayo | |
| Occupation | |
| Education | Lyndon State College (BA) Goddard College (MFA) |
| Spouse | Jennifer Smith-Mayo |
| Website | |
| matthewmayo | |
Matthew P. Mayo is an American author of novels and non-fiction books, poetry, short stories, articles, and reviews. He writes about the American West, New England, and in the Western, humor, crime, and horror genres. [1] [2]
Mayo earned his B.A. in English at Lyndon State College, in Lyndonville, Vermont, and his M.F.A. in creative writing at Goddard College, Plainfield, Vermont. [3] He is married to photographer Jennifer Smith-Mayo. [4]
Novels
Non-Fiction
Short Stories
Mayo's short stories have been collected in a variety of anthologies, including:
Mayo’s Roamer series—Wrong Town (2008), North of Forsaken (2017), Timberline (2018), and Winter Wolves (2021)—has been praised for its authentic frontier settings and a nuanced protagonist. Nicholas Litchfield of the Lancashire Post described North of Forsaken as “solidly entertaining,” commending Mayo for “revitalizing classic Western tropes,” while calling Timberline “a nimbly told tale of rough justice and frontier survival with fierce action.” [7] [8] Jeanne Greene of Booklist noted the slow start in North of Forsaken, remarking that “Roamer describes every trout tickled and rabbit skinned on the trail,” while Reg Quist praised the series’ cultured protagonist as “refreshing” and deemed Timberline “a readable and intriguing adventure novel.” [9] [10]
Mayo’s Outfit trilogy (To Hell and Back, Blood and Ashes, Outlawed!), blends Western and suspense elements. Litchfield found Outlawed! “fun and fiercely entertaining,” while Quist described Blood and Ashes as “an action-filled fantasy tale placed in the Old West.” [11] [12] The Midwest Book Review termed it “another riveting western” from Mayo that “will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community library collections.” [13]
Among Mayo’s standalones, Stranded, based on a true story, received positive reviews. Booklist’s Quist called it “a well-written and interesting page-turner” where Mayo skillfully exposes the protagonist’s strengths and weaknesses. [14] Litchfield considered it “gripping, unsettling, and deeply affecting,” and Thomas J. Howley of the Historical Novel Society praised its journal-entry format, noting: “Interludes with bears, wolves and especially a rapacious mountain lion are as terrifying as any horror novel.” [15] [16]
Half a Pig and Other Stories of the West, a short story collection, was noted for its variety and Western themes. Sarah Steers of Booklist cited its broad appeal, while the Midwest Book Review described it as “a fun and memorable read.” [17] [18]
Mayo’s nonfiction, including Maine Icons: 50 Classic Symbols of the Pine Tree State (coauthored with Jennifer Smith-Mayo), has drawn praise for engaging, accessible essays and photographs that provide an approachable overview of Maine’s heritage. [19] The authors have discussed their personal connection to Maine and a thoughtful selection process that balances well-known and lesser-known symbols to capture the state’s character beyond clichés. [20] Bootleggers, Lobstermen & Lumberjacks was recognized for vivid, imaginatively reconstructed historical episodes, [21] while Hornswogglers, Fourflushers & Snake-Oil Salesmen profiles Old West con artists in a way that captured reader interest, though some reviews noted the unverified dialogue requires reader acceptance. [22]
Mayo has won many awards, finalist honors, and nominations for his writing, including the Western Heritage Award, the Peacemaker, Western Writers of America Spur Award, High Plains Book Award, the Willa Award, and the Will Rogers Medallion, among others.
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